OpForce Magazine Issue 3 English by Lukasz Bartoszek

English Version

e in z a g a M t f o s ir A e Fre

pO Force magazine

Legion de entrangere commandos marines P a r a c h u t i s t e s d'Infanterie de Marine

Insi

-10

G-S

pec

military airsoft stylization magazine

Issue 3

VSR

November 2010

French army

SOCOM Tokyo Marui

pO Force

On target 2 4. Troupes de Marine

4 6

8. 1er RPIM

10. Commandos Marine

10 12 14 16

18. Legion Entrengere

18 20 22

24. SOCOM mk.23 Tokyo Marui without a secret

18-23 One of the most recognizable units in the world – the Foreign Legion. A special mixture of culture and personalities. Resistance and honour above all. These are the things that describe the soldiers from Legion Entrengere.

24 26

28. Legionaires from Lodz

28 30 32 34

36. French variation about camouflage pattern

36 38 40 42

44. French Army Field Rations test

36-43 There are hundreds of ways to blend into surroundings.

A comparison test for uniforms from all around the world. Our main target – the French Army CCE uniform.

46 48 50. Ration Individuelle d’Exercice (RIE)

50 52

54. Battle Ready

56. Under the Burlap

58. VSR 10 G-Spec Tokyo Marui

58 60 62

64. Rob Furlong and hot fifties

64 66

68. Next Issue

68 70

48-52 How to cook a meal and not kill the cook? A test of the French Army food rations. All the flavors from Loire closed in a small box. Was it worth it? See for yourself.

Editor’s Note Here it is – the third issue of the OpForce Magazine. It took us a little bit longer to publish this one but I think it was worth waiting for. What can you find in this issue? Mostly, a lot of stuff for stylization and reconstruction. As always in OpForce Magazine. The number of articles you may find in OpForce Magazine increased, just like we announced. This issue is dedicated to Armée française (the French Army), so you will be able to find valuable information about their units. We are going to focus on their Special Forces units, just like we did in previous numbers of the Magazine. From many units one may find interesting for reconstruction or stylization, we have chosen Armee de Terre (Army) and Marine Nationale (Navy). You can also find tests inside. The one that can be found interesting is the test of CCE camouflage uniform, mostly to those of you who are interested in French Army stylization and are unable to find any information about it. Moreover, you are going to have an opportunity to find out what French soldiers eat during the field training, because we will take a look at French food rations. This is not going to be a short note about what you can find inside a box, but an analysis made by a consumer. Inside “Under the Burlap” chapter you are going to find a lot of suitable information. Dexter, as always, is going to share with you his knowledge and experience oft sniper rifle replicas and gas handguns. Happy reading! OpForce Magazine Editor, Tomasz Niwinski

pO Force

Troupes de Marine

Porpoises (Marsouins) – a marine mammal belonging to the Delphinidae family. The characteristic feature of the family is the usage of tactics during their hunt. They are also known for a special bound between each porpoise. That kind of special bond allows the Delphinidae to send an escort for sick or wounded individuals; as a response for threat they set a perimeter around the youngest and weakest ones and try to protect them; they are also well known for some kind of bond with people so they might be seen in the vicinity of human vessels during sea trips. It is also an unofficial and popular nickname for the French Navy Marines. The nickname suggest that the French Marines swam on ships and vessels and fought battles those ship were in, but never being a part of it.

roupes de Marine (French Marines) is one of the oldest formations of that kind in the world. It originated in 1662 by the order of Cardinal Richelieu. The new unit was mostly formed with former navy soldiers, like cannoneers or marine infantry and was named Corps royal de l’infanterie de la Marine. The Corp survived unchanged over 150 years to be finally changed on 1st January, 1786 into Corps royal de Canonniers-Metalots. It was an attempt to replace Marines by sailors units. However, on 21st January, 1816 king Luis XVIII issued an edict reviving 2 regiments. Probably because of the French colonial expansion this number has been raised very quickly. At the end of XIX century the number of the regiments was raised to eight, including two artillery regiments - L’artillerie de Marine. At the same time, in the middle of XIX century, French Navy created a new unit they called FusiliersMarins. Troups of this unit were designated to replace former marines unit due to the problems Navy had with proper support from Ministry of War. They have become Infantry Marine stationing at ships. On 7th July, 1900, Troupes de Marine have been excluded from the responsibility of Ministry of Navy and joined the Troupes Coloniales (Colonial Forces) under the Ministry of War jurisdiction. During the World War II these troops, under Bataillon d’Infanterie de Marine du Pacifique, had been trained by Americans and participated in Allies operation on Corsica and Elba. Finally, they had joined the operation Drogoon to land on the French soil at the end. Just after the WWII has ended, French government wanted the American Army to re-base the unit to Pacific area. They planed, after the war with Japan is over, to take control over former French colonies at the Far East. Because of a huge logistic problem with re-basing a unit that big, it never happened.

to dispose of them all. It affected their needs about forces, too, especially those prepared to operate at area. This caused the name to change from Troup Coloniales (Colonial Forces) to Troupes d’ Outre-Mer (Overseas Forces), which happened on 1st December, 1958 and soon after that, it was changed to Troupes de Marine. But this time the name was changed for all former colonial forces. The new reborn marines unit has been, with the 9e Brigade d’Infanterie de Marine (9th Brigade of Marine Infantry), part of the first French Forces d’Intervention (Intervention Forces). In 1964, two parachutist and one mechanized brigade joined them and renamed themselves to the 11th Division d’Intervention (11th Intervention Division). This unit was formally transformed into 11th Parachutist Division seven years latter. In 1976 Troupes de Marine were removed from division. The intention was to create new intervention unit and to do so, the French Ministry of War joined this unit with the 9e Division d’Infanterie de Marine (9th Marines Division). This unit was designated to be a force with a capability to make amphibious assaults. At present Troupes de Marine are a part of the 9e Brigade Légère Blindée de Marine (9th Marines Brigade). Régiment de Marche du Tchad (RMT) in Noyon RICM (Régiment d’Infanterie de Chars de Marine) (RICM) 9e BLBMa in Poitiers Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine du Pacifique - Nouvelle Calédonie (RIMaP-NC) Nouméa (New Caledonia) Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine du Pacifique Polynésie (RIMaP-P) in Papeete 1er Régiment d’Artillerie de Marine (1er RAMa) in Laon

1er Régiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine The French politics, regarding colonies after a war, was (1er RPIMA) in Bayonne

1er Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine (1er RIMa) in Angoulême

Nowadays, the 1er RPIMa is not a part of Division, due to the Special Forces assignment.

2e Régiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine (2e RPIMa) in Pierrefonds (Reunion) 2e Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine (2e RIMa) 9e BLBMa in Le Mans 3e Régiment d’Artillerie de Marine (3e RAMa) in Canjuers 3e Régiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine (3e RPIMa) in Carcassonne 3e Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine (3e RIMa) 9e BLBMa in Vannes 5e Régiment interarmes d’outre-mer (5e RIAOM) in Djibouti 6e Bataillon d’Infanterie de Marine (6e BIMa) in Libreville (Gabon) 8e Régiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine (8e RPIMa) in Castres 9e Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine (9e RIMa) in Cayenne (French Guiana) 11e Régiment d’Artillerie de Marine (11e RAMa) 9e BLBMa in Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier 21e Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine (21e RIMa) in Frejus 22e Bataillon d’Infanterie de Marine (22e BIMa) 9e BLBMa in Nantes 23e Bataillon d’Infanterie de Marine (23e BIMa) in Dakar (Senegal) 33e Régiment d’Infanterie de Marine (33e RIMa) in Fort-de-France (Martinique) 41e Bataillon d’Infanterie de Marine (41e BIMa) in Pointe-à-Pitre (Guadalupe) 43e Bataillon d’Infanterie de Marine (43e BIMa) in Port-Bouet (Cote d’Ivore) 72e Bataillon d’Infanterie de Marine (72e BIMa) in Marseilles

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski 5

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Troupes de Marine

Photo: Guillaume Rueda

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1er RPIM

1er Régiment de Parachutistes d’Infanterie de Marine

he 1er RPIMa’s history dates back to 1622, when infantry regiments belonged to the French Armee de Terre (Land Army). Those units had been designated to join the warship forces as marine infantry. The history of this unit is therefore similar to Infanterie de Marine (French Marine Corps). Bu the situation had changed after the World War II broke out.

of War), Legion d’Honneur (National Order of the Legion of Honour), Croix de la Liberation (Cross of the Liberation), Belgian Croix de Guerre (Belgian Cross of War), American Bronze Star and Holland’s Bronze

As a part of the Free French Forces, 1ère Compagnie de Chasseurs Parachutistes had been designated to fight the German invaders. The two Regiments of Chasseurs Parachutistes were the very first to join Sir David Starling’s Special Air Service, recently formed in Kabrit. Since then, they fought alongside their British brothers. After the World War II, the unit participated in operations in French Indochina, where between 1945-54 soldiers performed several of 160 parachute jumps carried by the French paras during the war. After the war the unit retreated from the Far East. 1er RPIM was changed to a training depot for all colonial paratroopers. The Regiment has reborn as a Special Forces unit in 1974, probably due to the SAS heritage, and became one of the most experienced units in Europe. During the active duty, the Regiment has been awarded many times. The awards were, among others, French Croix de Guerre (Cross

Leeuw (the Bronze Lion). Tradition, acquired during the Regiment’s duty in the British SAS, is still present in the French unit. 1Er RPIM’s motto is “Qui Ose Gagne” (Who Dares Wins), and only the current members of the Regiment are able to get the RAPAS Wings - Recherche Aéroportée et Actions Spécialisées (Airborne Reconnaissance and

Special Action), of course after they fulfil several re- 2003 in Afghanistan. quirements like operational deployments.

borne Reconnaissance and Special Action). They are based upon the SAS organization form. Each of them specializes in different area of action, typical for Special Forces units, like HALO/HAHO jumps, counterterrorism, amphibious warfare, jungle and mountain operations. 1 er RPIMA’s last deployment was during “Operation Enduring Freedom” in 2001, and again in

Recherche Aéroportée et Actions Spécialisées

Nowadays the 1er RPIM is a part of the BFST - Brigade des Forces Spéciales Terre (The Army Special Forces Brigade). The main power of the Regiment consists of three parachutist companies called RAPAS - Recherche Aéroportée et Actions Spécialisées (Air-

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski 9

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commandos marine

Commandos Marine

Although World War II was a time of sorrow, destruction and death, it was a time when completely new phenomena were born as well. One of them was the idea of creating Special Forces throughout the world. In those harsh times it was vital for tactics and strategy. One of the units, which were born back then, was Commandos Marine of the French Navy (The Naval Commandos). The unit was planned to emerge in 1941, but it was not until 1942, when Troop 1 Commandos Francais was formed for the very first time. The usage of that unit was planed during the next amphibious operation in continental Europe, like the Normandy invasion. Newly formed unit was based outside Portsmouth, waiting to transfer to Achnecarry training center, Scotland, for their Commando training. Initially, the Battalion counted 177 men, grouped in sections: headquarters, communications, medical, transportation and three line unit, prepared for duty at first line. Most of the soldiers back then were from Brittany and knew the shore perfectly. It would be helpful in the coming years, mostly because the future invasion. Capitaine de Corvette (Lieutenant Commander) Philippe Kieffer was the officer in charge. The nickname of the whole unit – Company “Kieffer”, was based on his name. The newly formed unit could not wait long for the first assignment. In 1942, the unit was sent alongside the British and Canadian Commandos to France to participate in “Operation Jubilee” (also knows as The Dieppe Raid). The primary task was to destroy the gate leading to a dry dock and paralyze the port for merchant ships. After this successful action, in November, the unit h a s gained its offic i a l name - 1ère Compagnie de Fusiliers Marins Commandos. May 1944 was another memorable day for the soldiers a n d the Company itself. Few weeks before t h e D-Day operation had started, the Company received their own badge and green berets, thus confirming

their special status and commando origin. As the only unit among all French Forces they were allowed to wear their badges in an English manner – on the left side of beret. The color of the beret was another reason to nickname them as “Beret Verts” (Green berets). On 6th Jun,e 1944, 176 soldiers of Commando Kieffer landed at the Sword Beach. Their task was to support the 3rd Infantry Division and advance deep into enemy territory. After a day on the front the unit lost 25% of its personnel (including 27 killed in action) and their commander had been wounded twice at the end of the day. Despite high loses, the Company had fought till the end of September, when they were called off and sent to Britain for R&R and casualties replacement. The soldiers of Commandos Marins, as a part of British Commandos unit, had been back at front in November 1944, landing at an Dutch island Walcheren and liberating the city Flassingue from the Germans. The Dutch episode was the last one for the French Commandos during the World War II. The unit pendent

is split to seven, partly indeunits:

1. Commando Hubbert At present, Commando Hubbert consists of about 80 soldiers deployed in two companies. The first

has vided main

c o m p a n y 50 soldiers, dibetween four squads; each of Photo: Guillaume Rueda

them specialized in different missions. Team A:

actions in Rwanda, Afghanistan, the Caribbean and Congo. 4. Commando Pontenfenyo

Headquarters. This unit is mainly responsible for operational planning. This part also has a support unit This particular group specializes in maritime installain its squad. tions, reconnaissance, gathering information and infiltration. They were sent to Bosnia, Zaire, North Sea Team B: and Antarctica. Soldiers of this team are specialists in marine counter- 5. Commando de Montfort terrorism, underwater approaches and amphibious actions. Members of this unit are specialists in long range neutralization like: missiles guidance, sabotage, artillery Team C: support and the elimination of enemy snipers. Their presence was noticed in Bosnia, Macedonia and SierPilots and engineers working on submarines. They are ra-Leone. responsible for the maintenance of miniature sub vessels which are in possession of the unit. 6. Commando Kieffer Team D:

This unit was formed in 2008. Any actions performed by this unit are unknown.

They specialize in sea reconnaissance, underwater demolitions and ship attacks. They are also expert snipers and have experience with heavy weapons. Further- 7. ECTLO Escouade de Contre-Terrorisme et de more, all members of the unit are trained in HALO Libération d’Otages (Counter-terrorist and Hostage and HAHO jumps. Rescue Squad)

As in name, they specialize in counter-terrorism and The second company has strictly supportive function hostage rescue. Soldiers of ECTLO, alongside Comfor the first one. Their soldiers are experts in commu- mando Hubbert, are responsible for the capture of a nication, fast motor boats, pontoon driving and wide former Yugoslavia war criminal, Mamcilo Krajisnik. range logistic. As it is noticed, names of the Commandos units are taken after naval fusilier officers killed in action. 2. Commando Jaubert Commando Jaubert is one of the most decorated French Special Forces unit of all time. The squad has been decorated with, among others, French Légion d’Honneur (Legion of Honour) and Military Cross, which is shown on the Commando flag. The members of Commando Jaubert are specialists in boarding vessels, personnel evacuation and close quarter combat. 3. Commando Trepel Commando Trepel’s specializations are similar to Commandos Jaubert’s. They are also familiar with ship boarding and personnel evacuation from shore areas. Soldiers of Commando Trepel were involved lately in

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski 11

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commandos marine

Marin

Troupes de Marine and Commandos Marine uniform and equipment.

Machine Gun

FN Minimi

Uni French Marines use

Sniper Rifle

FR F-2

Rifle FAMAS F2

nes beret

Sub-Machine Gun

iform H&K MP5 SD3 a CCE camouflage

Pistol PAMAS

Shotgun Remington 870

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commandos marine Sniper Rifles

Sniper Rifle

PGM Hecate 2 Sniper Rifle

M4 Gepard

Sniper Rifle

McMillan M93

Sniper Rifle

Ultima Ratio Commando 2

Rifles Rifle

Rifle

H&K G3 SG1

Rifle

SIG SG551 SWAT

Rifle

H&K G3A4

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commandos marine Pistols and Sub-Machine Guns Pistol

SIG P226

Pistol

Smith&Wesson 686 Stainless

Pistol

H&K P11

Sub-Machine Gun

H&K MP5 A5

French Marines Badge

Commando Hubert

Commando de Montfort

Intervention Unit

Commando Penfentenyo

Commando Trepel

pO Force

Legion Entrengere

Throughout the world one can hear about military units which are real legends. Units usually created from necessity, grown on a fertile soil of human enthusiasm, becoming a relevant part of the history and culture, affecting millions on their way. One of them is the French Foreign Legion.

he Legion was formed in 1831 by (or during the regency of) King Luis Philip. At first, the squad was mostly built with non-speaking French soldiers, and only a few non-commissioned officers. Despite the problems, which affected the unit in the beginning, including irregular payment, the Legion was sent to Algeria to be a part of forces fighting in Africa at the time. On 17th September, 1835, the Legion’s Commanding Officer decided to split soldiers throughout the battalions to prevent one nation having advantage in either one of them. It prevented the possibility of mutiny and creation of fractions inside the unit. The unit, since creation, was involved in almost every conflict, like Carlist’s War in Spain, Crimean War or Franco-Austrian War where the Legion earned respect in battle at Magenta. However, the most famous battle of those times was the Battle of Camarón, during the French intervention in Mexico. Legion squad, consisting of 65 legionaries, had been ambushed and surrounded by 2000 soldiers of the Mexican forces, then fought against them for several hours. It ended with 300-500 casualties on the Mexican side. 62 of 65 legionaries had been killed during the day and

only 3 of them were captured and imprisoned. One of the Mexican commanders was so impressed by their courage that he expressed it in the words: “They are not humans, they are devils.” This sentence was remembered and it accompanies the Legion to this day. According to the French law, the Legion was not allowed to fight on French motherland, as long as France itself wasn’t threatened. That law had been obeyed until 1870, when the Legion participated in FrancoPrussian War. The unit was sent to break the siege of Paris as a primary task and to join besieged forces as a second one. In their way from Toulouse, where they had landed, they liberated Orleans but the attempt to break to Paris had been without avail. French Foreign Legion played a major role in the French colonial expansion during the whole of XIX century. Legion’s units fought in North Africa, where legionaries had their base in Algeria and at the Far East, mainly in French Indochina and in Taiwan. Their involvement at Far East forced the Legion to participate in the Sino-French War in 1884-85. Le-

gion soldiers participated in, according the French law, the First World War fights. 11.000 legionaries had been killed on the West Front but they showed bravery and courage in charging and defending positions they occupied. Their participation in battles at Somme, Verdun, Artois and Champagne was a significant effort to defeat the Central Powers by The Triple Entente. During the Second World War Foreign Legion was, like all French society, split between Free French who were building their forces with the Alliance, and the Vichy who collaborated with the III Reich. Because of this, the Legion has not taken a big part in fights during the war. They took only a minor part in Norwegian, Syrian and North African campaigns. The end of WW2 brought completely new challenges for legionnaires, too. Because of common independence aspirations in French colonies, many local conflicts and uprisings started in almost all overseas dominions. The French Indochina uprising was the firs major local conflict in which legionaries were involved. Especially the defence of Dien Bien Phu had a relevant influence on the unit, mostly based on former III Reich Soldiers. During the whole campaign, formation had lost a big amount of legionaries but they did not lose the spirit of the unit, what allowed them to continue the fight. It was clearly visible in the following years, when the unit was involved in much

warfare in Africa and on the Far East, where legionaries were used as the Rapid Reaction Forces. This allowed them to participate in almost every conflict after WW2. In 1990 three Legion’s units (1e REC – 1 Foreign Cavalry Regiment, 2e REI – 2 Foreign Infantry Regiment, 6e REG – 6 Foreign Engineers Regiment), as a part of 6th French Light Armoured Division, were sent to Persian Gulf to take part in the “Operation Daguet”. After four weeks of air campaign land units started their part of operation and Foreign Legion was sent to capture the Al Salman airfield. They met minor resistance and, after a short-time of fire fight, they were able to fulfil their orders. Recently, Foreign Legion was also involved in few minor operations like the one in Cambodia, Somalia, former Yugoslavia, Congo, Afghanistan, Cote d’Ivoire, and Chad. At present Foreign Legion consists of: Continental France: 1e REC – 1 Foreign Cavalry Regiment 1e REG – 1 Foreign Engineers Regiment 1e RE – 1 Foreign Regiment 2e REG – 2 Foreign Engineers Regiment 2e REI – 2 Infantry Regiment 19

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Legion Entrengere 4e RE – 4 Foreign Regiment Corsica: 2e REP – 2 Foreign Parachutists Regiment (Kalwi, Corsica) Overseas colonies and territories: 3e REI – 3 Foreign Infantry Regiment (French Guiana) DLEM – Foreign Legion Detachment (Mayotte) Africa: 13 DBLE – 13 Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (Djibouti)

translation: Michal â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magnusâ&#x20AC;? Kasinski 21

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Legion Entrengere Uniform and equipment of Legion Entrangere (Foreign Legion)

Unif

Foreign Le

Machine Gun

FN Minimi

Recent camo

Sniper Rifle

FR F-2

Rifle FAMAS

form

egion Beret Sniper Rifle

PGM Heccate II

o pattern

Pistol PAMAS

SOCOM mk23 pO Force

SOCOM mk 23 Tokyo Marui without secrets

SOCOM mk 23, manufactured by Tokyo Marui, is a replica I felt in love at first sight. I always had a crush on silenced guns but that model turned out to be way beyond my expectations.

y first contact with SOCOM was the STTI replica. I was not excited neither with range nor the quality of external parts. Moreover, the STTI replica was too big to hold it comfortably. I had a feeling it was a very cheap handgun, especially when you imagine that the sound suppressor was not functioning at all. And, in the matter of fact, the STTI replica was a cheap one. However, one day at the field I had an opportunity to try a Tokyo Marui replica. And that is how it all began.

The replica has been packed into a very nice Styrofoam case. Apart from the handgun, there was a LAM module replica, sound suppressor and, eventually, a spare magazine in separated space. I bought my replica with two STTI magazines, and not the TM ones. Those magazines are exact copy of the latter.

A couple of words about the quality. The finishing is really good, much better than STTI’s, but at the same time - it is also a little bit worse than KSC. I could not match these two replicas because the KSC’s replica has blowback, and TM is a non blow-back handgun. It is a fact that TM’s replica does not have a blowback, which obviously is downgrading the value of this handgun due to the lack of realistic functioning and clear fun during respawns. But, and there is a but, with SOCOM the facts are slightly different, because you can not clearly classify this replica. It is not very good for sidearm due the non-existing blowback system (it causes the trigger to be very hard) and the size. It is also not good as a main weapon as well, mainly because of low rate of fire and small magazine. I am not considering a very short range at the time but I am

going to write something about it a little bit later. So now we know, what makes the handgun unfit for use. Anyway, SOCOM is a perfect replica when you use it in dark, narrowed places, where you need stealth and discretion, not a high ROF or high amount of ammunition.

The STTI magazines are completely different question of issue. They are cheap and give a little bit more power (and I based it on the opinions from various forums), but are very sensitive to dust – a small amount of sand can cause the bbs to Since the gun has no blowback, the slider does not stuck. I am clatter. With a sound suppressor (and this is a genuine afraid sound suppressor, not a nice looking fake) in a forest, where you can hear bursts all around and it is windy – your shot will not be heard in 10-15 meters at all. There will be only a slight noise of the hammer, and the shot itself is silenced. The suppressor’s thread is unfortunately that the magnot a typical one (16 mm), and azines need a it is difficult to find a difgood maintenance to ferent one. But if you keep them work properly. do not damage Another plus of those magathe original, there is zines is a seal on the valve the no need to get a differTM’s do not have. ent one. Without the sound With one loading and careful shooting, we suppressor the replica is are able to shoot out about 80 bbs (during the sumquite loud, especially for a NBB mer). It is an outstanding performance, mainly be(non blow-back) model. Moreover cause there is no blowback. The handgun has no the sound is very characteristic, similar problem with gas canister and it would be strange if to a whistle sound, but more quiet. Probably it had because the valve is hammered only for a blink the shape of the outer barrel is causing that kind of an eye. It is typical for NBB replicas. The replica is of noise. You are able to shoot with hammer cocked working even in around 5 degrees Celsius, although or with self-cocking. We can cock the hammer with the range diminishes radically. It happens exactly the slider as well, even it has no blowback. The slider is same like in any other gas gun. I did not test it at lower still moveable. temperatures. Generally, the replica’s performance is very good. The non-moving barrel increases accuracy due to the more consistent pressure of gas. In addition, STTI magazines give about 330 fps at normal conditions (20C degrees and normal rate of fire). It allows hitting a human shape target, at perfect conditions, at 40 meters. Just as with the TM - the bb will be a little slow, but accurate. The inner barrel was made out of aluminium and not metal – contrary to a lot of reviewers try to convince their readers. Despite the original barrel is not that bad, you can find precision barrels made by LayLax and PDI. The HU rubber is the same as the one mounted in TM gas guns and in VSR, so you can change it to KM Head. It will increase the performance for sure. I have no idea how this performance is on the original TM magazines though. I never had those so I am only able to assume that.

The LAM unit, attached to the replica, is a really pretty fake. The tactical light has only one LED, and not a very good one, too. The red laser is very weak and of the same quality (or no quality at all). The whole unit is powered by 3 AAA batteries and operated with three switches – the first one, let’s call it a general switch, is placed on the bottom of the gun. You can find the second one under the trigger cover, and it is available with your middle finger. Someone who likes the DIY things will be able to put a normal laser and torch light inside. It will be hard, but not impossible. The original one has a light and two lasers, so there are possibilities to upgrade them. The sound suppressor we got with the replica is in really good quality. It has been built with two parts. The first one is a black tube with imprinted dot markings 25

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SOCOM mk23 on it, and the second one is inner aluminium tube with compartments for silencer foam. It is all closed/ sealed by a nut with 16 mm thread, unfortunately non typical for suppressors. By having a 6-7 mm thick rubber foam we can improve the silence ability. To make this work we have to take out the inner tube, take out the existing foam and with our gas-stove heat the edge up. When it is hot enough we have to cut out some foam (two or three pieces) circles. The next step is to cut out, using an old inner barrel for example (or something that size), circles in the middle of it. It will have about 9 mm in diameter. You have to put the prepared circles inside in order (looking from the end): circle, foam, circle, foam. The last piece of foam has to be shortened by half of its size, exactly that same amount of space our circles filed out. It will slightly improve the suppressor. The HU system quality is outstanding and gives a very good range with the power it has. Its regulation is quite simple and you can do this by pulling slide to the back and adjusting the screw on the chamber level. To take off the slide completely you have to take out the magazine first, then pull off the slide to the little carve on the left side of the slide till it is on the gun axis. And I am talking about the slide catcher axis because it is also the gun axis. The next thing you should do is gently pull of t h e slider to the left and to the top. The replica’s manipulators are worth to be mentioned as well. The original handgun has a hammer lever to uncock the gun and a safety lever. In the replica you can not release the hammer because the lever is a dummy and looks pretty ugly. The safety lever works like in the real gun – with hammer cocked. Slide lever in TM’s replica works as an extra safety, blocking the slider directly. And you can turn safety on with or without hammer cocked. The replica’s maintenance is limited just to looking after magazines and cleaning the barrel. And that’s it. The gun does not need any special treatment. Despite normal lubrication of springs, the maintenance of pivots or cleaning the sand with old toothbrush or designated gun brush. The handgun’s construction is simple enough to disassemble and assemble it again in less then 45 minutes.

Summing up: this is not a perfect gun to be a sidearm. It is not a good main weapon either. However, if the field where you are playing is shady, has a lot of bushes and high grass, with plenty hideouts you can use for an ambush, it will be perfect. Also when your assignment requires staying undetected behind enemy lines, this weapon is going to be ideal. You can be a Splinter Cell fan or just like this particular model. A general-purpose replica, but with one delightful feature – the sound of gunshot. Jacek Reiter (Dexter)

translation: Michal â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magnusâ&#x20AC;? Kasinski 27

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2REP

Legtionaries from Lodz

Sniffing around the net for any valuable information about the French Arm,y I did not resist to take a look for a team, who has something in common with the Armee de Terre. It would fit perfectly to the incoming issue. I was not so excited about that because I did remember the last failure in the Spanish issue. Happily, I was very nicely surprised. I was able to find and make contact with a group which stylizes the 2nd Foreign Legion Parachutist Regiment. I decided to ask a few questions about their hobby and the reasons they chose Foreign Legion to be a theme for their team. You will find all the answers in this article.

1. From where did you take the idea to make French cas etc.)? Army (Foreign Legion) stylization? As a group, we are trying to stylize on the 2nd REP The idea for the 2nd Foreign Legion Parachutist Regi- from 2000-2004. The basic equipment is: ment came four years ago, when the previous unit, which was a part of survival-military group called the – CCE uniform in F2 style with badges (Flag, Legion 4th REG, decided to start 2 REP GCP reconstruction. Entrangere arch) After some time the reconstruction changed into styl- We accepted Polish army boots due to the lack of acization, because we had the need to use some non is- cess to original “Rangers” boots. sued but practical stuff. The reason we have chosen FAMAS replica this unit for our stylization was the man who trained Ops Vest/Standard LE vests us – he was former Foreign Legion’s veteran. His co- French LE beret with 2 REP badge lourful stories about this unit and the enthusiasm helped us to make the choice. This equipment is just a base that every member of our team should collect, at the money range they can 2. Are you a formal group or just a bunch of friends afford. We also accepted few practical solutions you bonded by shared hobby? never find at Foreign Legion. - Our group was always based on friendand shared passion. W e fulfil our passion during the free time we have. 3. How many people are in your group? From seven to eleven, depends on members’ activity. 4. What your equipment (uniforms, repli-

ship

5. Was

it very hard to collect every piece of your equipment? French Army equipment, unlike the very popular American equipment, is not that easy to get. Despite normal source like internet auctions or military shops, we were forced to look at same rummage sales, friend’s closets and import directly from France via some various people. 6. Where a person, who just started his adventure with this sport, can get the stuff he needs for

French Army stylization?

help anyone who might be interested to contact you)?

The best chance to get the most basic equipment like an uniform is via internet auctions. It is worth the effort to take a look at some local markets, too. And not only the military market.

http://2rep.pun.pl – this is our forum address, where we create special place for people from outside of our group. You will be able to contact with most of the members of our unit through this site.

7. You did mention you organize some airsoft games. If that is true, please tell us where and when? As the 2 REP unit we organize “Ardeny” rally every year. It is a whole day scenario based on facts from World War II. More information is available on our website. 8. Please, give us any valuable information about your hobby you want to share with us and the rest of the world. For some people this is only a play, for the others – it is passion. We are in the second group, because this is a wonderful way to rest with excellent people. The contact with nature and friendly environment is priceless to us. Some of people in our age choose to spend their time in front of a monitor with bottle of non healthy beverage. We prefer to get our backpacks and, with rifle replica, go into a forest.

9. How can our readers contact you (if you want to

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski 29

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2REP

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moe

Chasseurs Alpins

Mountain units are, no doubt, one of the most experienced, well trained and tough units ever formed. One of the reasons is - they were formed with people who lived in the mountains. Those highlanders were hardened by tough conditions they used to live in, so they had been a perfect core for that kind of units. Also the warfare they had been prepared to is the most brutal and harsh warfare mankind can ever experience and fight in. How does this kind of unit looks like in the French Army?

Photo: Thomas Goisque

he mountain unit was formed for the first time by the French Republic in XIX century, as a response to the threat to their mountain borders from the reunited Italian Republic. Especially, when Italy

on 24th December, 1888, when the very first troupes de montagne (mountain corps) were formed. These corps were created from 12 out of 31 existing Chasseurs a Pied (Hunters on Foot) battalions. This unit was named Bataillons Alpins de Chasseurs à Pied (Alpine Battalions of Hunters on Foot). Later, the name was shortened to Bataillons de Chasseurs Alpins (Battalions of Alpines Hunters). Today, the unit is a part of the Brigade d’Infanterie de Montagne (Mountain Infantry Brigade) with three battalions – 7, 13 and 27. The mottos of this unit are: “Jamais être pris vivant” (Never to be taken alive) and “Sans peur et sans reproche” (Without fear and beyond reproach).

already began to form units specialized in mountain warfare (the Alpini). The final decision has been made

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski

Chesseurs Alpins Special Unit presentation - Commando Montagne

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CCE

CCE – French variation about camouflage pattern.

At present, most of our military suppliers have very limited offer. Mostly these are pre-used German and British uniforms with Dutch DPM and Swiss TASS addition. Since Red Zone dropped out of the market, the selection of new uniforms is also very limited because we can only get the American ones. For those determined there is the Allegro auction system, but we can buy there not only uniforms in good condition. We can have problems in buying uniforms exactly our size or we can just be cheated.

he exact same thing is with the French Army stuff. Our only supplier at the time is the above mentioned auction system, where we can buy some of the French Army stuff. Of course, we can ask our friends, the ones living and working abroad. But we can be disappointed, too – especially if we do not know anyone living there. The one thing we can do after that is to take a look at companies who make copies of uniforms we are interested in. At our market we can find a few companies who offer copies of various sorts of issued uniforms. Although, we did not need any uniform for this issue of OpForce Magazine. The main topic of this issue is the French Army and everything that is related to it. As we know, the French Army uses a camouflage pattern of its own, a little bit different than rest of the world. Based on that, we started to look for that kind of uniform, to finally find it. Napoleon’s decedents called it CCE. You can believe it or not, but it was not very easy to find an uniform we would like to get. Apparently, there is no demand on the market at the time being – and this is the thing we would like to change by presenting other Armies. We were lucky to find one of the copies of the uniform through and thanks to Vest company. Now we will be able to review a CCE copy made by Mil-Tec corporation. To rise the bar a little higher and to

make this review more reliable, we are going to compare other uniforms – both issued and copies. Apart from the CCE uniform mentioned above, I used German Flecktarn, American ACU in UCP, British Combat Light Uniform (Lightweight) in DPM - all of them army issues and one copy – recently very popular in Poland MCCU in woodland MARPAT by HelikonTex. Unfortunately, I was not able to get a proper CCE uniform issued by the French Army, mainly for comparison, but I will try to deal with it in next issues. First impression: At first glance there is no difference in material used in all of these uniforms – neither issued ones nor copies. But there is no point to stop here, when we can take much closer look. Especially when you have read and heard that the quality of non issued products is poor and there is no special care to details. How does it look like in this particular uniform? We are going to check this out, only there won’t be a field test. The first impression has to be positive. Fabric: The uniform has been made from 65% of cotton and 35% polyester. We can not say clearly that the polyester addition is good or bad because both of them have pros and cons. Bundeswehr’s Flecktarn has exact the same mix of fibre like our CCE. ACU (made by Appareal International) and Helikon-Tex’s copy of MARPAT has been made with even more polyester, because they have 50% addition to their fabric. We have no idea what kind of mix has been used to sew the British uniform, but we think it was 100% cotton because it is a Light Combat Uniform. Of course the label on this one can be a little confusing, because there is a warning: “Wash

as syntheticâ&#x20AC;?. For a regular person who has no experience with sewing and fabrics itself, this one, which has been used for MilTecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s copy, will not be distinct at any possible way from the American issued uniform or MARPAT copy. It is the same with the German Flecktarn. Sewing quality: Despite the fabrics used during the production process, the sawing is a lot more important then anything else. Even if we had the best fabric we could get, wrong usage of them would destroy the final effect completely. So we are about to find out how does it look like in a German uniform.

Of course we are going to use uniforms described above to comparison. They make our base for evaluation. The thread, which has been used in this case, looks pretty good. These are nylon threads because they have to provide extra durability due to very intensive usage. It is a one line stitch, exactly the same we can find in the rest of mentioned uniforms. Velcro and buttons are sewed properly and have no tendency to loose align or going out of fabric. We were able to see only one fault, and it was only possible at close look. It was Velcro at the bottom of the jacket. The thread was slightly outlined. It was barely visible first and moreover, it did not affected normal using. We can decide to classify this as a con, mainly because we were unable to find familiar mistakes on other uniforms. What we can describe as a plus is a few extra buttons attached to jacket and pants. If we think about the conditions this uniform will be used, we can predict that those buttons will be ripped off and lost. In that case it is good to have a spare one. Functionality: The functionality of this uniform is based on personal taste and experience. For one people buttons would be a best choice, others would choose Velcro. So there is no perfect and objective opinion about that. Trousers: There is no pocket at the back of CCE; MCCU has

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CCE two, ACU also two, Flecktarn and DPM one. The sum of all pockets in CCE is four – two cargo at the side and two in front; MCCU has six, ACU eight, Flecktarn and DMP both five.

maybe

The pants have one button and a zip. It looks a little better than only buttons in MCCU

a n d ACU. The buttons are not that comfortable as a zip, especially when you are in hurry, and the zip completely blocks the way to the inside part of our pants. It sounds nice when you are about to crawl, is it not? At the very bottom of trousers leg there is a double welt – one is elastic and the second one (backup) is a string. Fortunately, the elastic one is not to tight, so you can not feel discomfort during long time of use.

they are not twisted, but the zips are moved to the side of a pocket what

makes that kind of impression. That kind of placing allows us to reach them with only a bend of an elbow, not a wrist, too. Even angled pockets in ACU and MCCU are not that comfy as in this French copy. So, there is a plus. Obviously, that would be a minus when we try to carry some loose materials. Unless you will not be carrying sand in this pockets, that would not be a disadvantage. The described jacket is a little longer than American ACU. But this is completely normal because ACU is different than anything else – also if you consider the cut. Another difference is in elastic welt, a little similar to the Polish wz. 98 camouflage, but placed at the bottom of the jacket.

Jacket:

A hat:

It is a classic model with small differences which improve functionality. Mil-Tec’s product has only two pockets which is a distinctive feature among other uniforms. For example, the ACU and the MCCU both have four pockets and the Flecktarn has three. The French uniform at this time is similar to the British DPM which has only two pockets, too. But the completely different thing is, how these pockets have been attached to the jacket. And at this field I think the French uniform wins with other competitors. Pockets are zipped and that is a solid advantage itself, they are also twisted 90 degrees and faced to each other. Or

We also get a hat with the uniform itself. It is a classic bonnie hat, but in CCE camouflage pattern. The only disadvantage is, and probably only for reconstruction, its label. It suggests that the hat is of US Army origin, not the French Armee de Terre. The label says: US Army Jungle Hat Viet-Nam Type 1968-1971. Despite that small detail we can not find any other faults. This review was made thanks to the Vest.pl military shop. translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski

translation: Michal â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magnusâ&#x20AC;? Kasinski 39

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CCE

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RCIR

French Army field rations test

It is a well known fact that armies march on their stomachs. The old truth is visible in every conflict mankind participates. Except determination, which is very important during warfare, food is the second one. It provides advantage on a field and lets soldiers fight most efficient. But appropriate food supply does not longer mean a canteen full of “Gaspacho”, like it was in the time of Roman Empire. At present, food is expected to be more than that. Providing some kind of luxury to soldiers is not its main purpose, but to save nutrition suitable for men being in constant physical stress. It is not that easy like it looks like though. Most of modern armies prepare special meals for their soldiers, ready to eat at any conditions – especially at the field. This article is going to start a series of articles dedicated to these special meals. The French Army Meal Ready to Eat will be the first one, a dish designated to fulfil any needs at the war zone. Currently we can distinguish two types of French Army meals. There are 24 hours rations called Ration de Combat Individuelle Rechauffable (RCIR) and Ration Individuelle D’Exercice (RIE). The second one is a one-meal ration, designated for only one meal. The first one could be translated to Individual Reheated Combat Ration, and the second one Individual Exercises Ration.

RCIR – a balanced meal for whole day Meal contains: The ration is wrapped in plastic cover. The reason they covered it with plastic is to protect the cardboard box from humidity of all kind. It would cause a permanent damage to some elements inside, and corrosion to other. After opening we get a regular cardboard box, size of a book. Even if we open the box, we will be allowed to close it later. There is some basic information on the front of the box that can be useful (or not)

for a soldier. Looking from the top side (apart from the brand name): expiration date (printed with big and bold font). To the left from the date we can find a menu number. And in this case it will be number 12 of 14 numbers available. A little bit below we have all products listed inside. For those of you who do not know French, it will be a relief that the right side of the box cover has been printed in English. It was probably done due to the French soldiers’ participation in some peacekeeping missions under the NATO auspices. At the back a warning has been printed not to eat food from swollen or damaged cans. The rest of the description is about water purifier tablets and how to use it. Inside the box: There is a list of things we would find in the box: 1. Instant soup x 1 Instant energy drink x1 Breakfast set x1 Heating set

Main course can x1 Tissues x1 Chewing gum pocket x1 Tinned meat x1 Tinned dessert x1 Pocket of sweets x1 Sweet bars x3 Menu: Breakfast set:

2 white sugar packets 1 big powdered milk packet 1 big packet with cocoa Beverages: All the beverages you will find inside the breakfast set are suitable for consumption. They do not differ from the ones you can find at your grocery store and you use every day. For this comparison we used regular products we found at local supermarket.

This set was wrapped in strong plastic cover. You have Milk:

to use a knife to open it up. It would be perfect to use a knife that has been provided to every soldier by the French Army. After you unwrap the bag you get a few beverages in packets, salt, pepper and sugar. Inside the packets you are going to find:

Consistency: typical for a dissolved powdered milk. Plus Smell: It is not even close to real milk, but neither are similar products of that kind. The smell is exactly the same as with regular products you can buy at the local store. Neutral.

3 instant coffees 1 Lipton mint tea 2 packets with salt and pepper, joint into one, bigger Taste: It is enough close to natural milk. There is a packet small difference, obviously, but you have to remember

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RCIR

that this is only a powdered milk. Plus Cocoa: Consistency: it is not exactly what I

Smell: it is exact the same smell you could find in those soups bought at your local store. You can even feel a delicate scent of asparagus. Plus Taste: it is close enough to regular asparagus soup. Of course if you do not expect miracles from a packet soup. Plus Tea (mint): Consistency: traditional, similar to tea. Plus Smell: very nice, with strong mint scent. Plus Taste: refreshing and energizing. Plus Reheating kit (Esbit):

had remembered as a cocoa, because it is thinner than other products of that kind. Although it is not something that would prevent you from drinking it. Neutral Smell: the smell is very nice, with chocolate sent. Plus Taste: the taste is typical for that kind of products. Plus Coffee: Consistency: typical for instant coffee (freeze dried). Plus Smell: very nice, coffee like. Plus Taste: coffee like, strong. Plus Instant soup (cream of asparagus): Consistency: very thick, typical for cream soups. Plus

Inside our main box we will find a small cardboard box containing reheating kit. It is well known Esbit stove, praised for simple construction, efficiency and small size which makes it very handy at the field. The box contains: 1 stove base 1 gripping device 2 blister pack containing 6 fuel tablets 1 matchbox 1 refuse bag 1 water purifier in blister pack with 6 tablets inside Biscuits Sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Georges (Sales, Sucres): After you unwrap the medium size cardboard box you get eight smaller wraps with biscuits. Each one containing two biscuits bars. Four of them contain salt biscuits, and another four - sweet ones. These sweet biscuits are easily recognizable due to the colour they have. They probably used cocoa during the process which gave them that very nice, dark colour. This colours difference allows us to recognize which one are salty or sweet, because there is no such information on the package itself.

S’Georges Biscuits are a really good alternative for tasty. Just like the ones in our stores. Plus hard ship’s biscuits you can find inside some other rations. Unlike hard ship’s biscuits, you can use them in exchange of bread during breakfast or eat them for Chocolate bar (plain chocolate): dessert. Sweet:

Consistency: typical for chocolate. Plus

Smell: how can chocolate smell? Like chocolate of Consistency: traditional. A little bit tougher then reg- course. Plus ular biscuit. Plus Taste: typical for plain chocolate. Plus Smell: it smells like baked biscuits. Plus Taste: classic. There is no need to make something better which is already good. Plus Caramels: Salt:

Consistency: classic for caramels. Plus

Consistency: see above. Plus

Smell: not recognizable. But this is typical for products of that kind. Plus

Smell: see above. Plus

Taste: a vanilla taste can be recognizable. Plus

Taste: it tastes like regular crackers. Plus

Terrine de Sanglier (tinned meat):

I have to admit that this was the worst part of the whole set. Neither the taste, which is very important during eating, nor smell, which did not differ from Nougat with candied fruits: regular tinned meat, encouraged me to try this one. The consistency was not something we could find in Consistency: white bar with melted fruits inside so any other tinned meat can. Of course, you should conthe consistency is nougat-like – a little bit like marshmallow, but thicker. Plus Candy Bars:

Smell: a very delicate smell of sugar is recognizable. It is neither bad nor good. Neutral Taste: sweet, little bit fruity. Plus Jelly-covered sugar bar: Consistency: very similar to those you can buy at store. Plus Smell: recognizable, fruity. Plus Taste: fruity, a little sour. Really 47

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RCIR sider the “de gustibus non est disputandum” rule and all the differences in culture. There is a possibility that this terrine would be very tasty for a Frenchman. Either way – it was not for me.

in normal circumstances would be put into that kind of product. Instead of scraps you get a really good, high quality piece of beef. Also the taste

Consistency: it was a little bit too compressed than those ones available at the local store. But I can not tell with 100%

if it’s good or bad. Neutral Smell: typical for a terrine. Just like the rest of them. Plus Taste: was not encouraging. I have to admit it did not taste like any meat I have ever tasted. Maybe it is some French delicacies I can not recognize. Neutral Beef with carrots: In my opinion the strongest part of whole set. The entire meal we get inside a can has been split to three parts – beef, potatoes and carrots. One thing I can say about beef that it is not a third category meat which

shows it is, after all, a very good

beef. The potatoes that you will find inside are not an ordinary ones. This are the baby potatoes, priced for their very good taste and high quality. We can even describe them as 1st grade quality potatoes. Carrots, another element of this dish, have been sliced and play the role of salad. We could even go further and say the whole dish has been garnished in those carrots. And it also tastes very nice. Consistency: all the elements of this dish are very good. All of them have the same consistency a regular meal should have. Plus Smell: very nice smell of home meal. Plus

Taste: all of the elements, together or not, taste very good. Just like a normal dinner. Plus

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski

Tartifflette: Tartifflette are, more or less, roasted potatoes with bacon in cheese-cream sauce. Very thin sliced potatoes have been put into sauce and slowly cooked. The bacon addition spiced the dish slightly so it is not too plain. It is a very good meal. There is only one warning. Do not try to eat this meal cold. It tastes much better if you heat it up. Consistency: classic. Mashed effect has not been spotted. Plus Smell: noticeable smell of cheese and cream. Plus Taste: similar to products of this class. Plus Yabon (vanilla dessert): Consistency: typical. A little bit to thin but it may vary due to the culture differences. Plus Smell: very nice vanilla essence. Plus Taste: very good. I was able to feel a slightly condensed milk taste. Plus Aqua Tabs: Water purifying tablets. Happily we were not forced to use them. Summary: French Army field rations really match up with the stories about them. I was unable to spot any major flaws. The dishes taste just like they should, beverages look like they should look like. And the stomach did not go through any revolutions. On the contrary, meals filled the needs and desires.

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski 49

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RIE

Ration Individuelle D’Exercice (RIE)

he French Army one-meal ration is what we could call “field ration”. This is a quick meal which does not need earlier preparations like reheating. It offers a nutritional and balanced meal with good taste. So, if you do not plan to stay longer in one place and need a fast meal for a break, RIE is for you. Especially for that kind activity which needs some physical effort, because it was designed for soldiers who are very active. It will be perfect to put it into small backpack or even a pouch on your vest.

Box content: There is a list of things we would find in the box: 1. Main course (tinned) x1 Terrine x1 Dessert x1 Biscuits x2 Multi-purpose tissues x1 Candy bars x2

chocolate, caramel, vanilla or cream. Inside this menu I found caramel rice based on milk with some raisins. A small warning – open it gently because the opener is very weak. It simply can be torn out if you will not be careful. After the tin has been opened the top layer shows up. It looks quite normal. To be honest, it was similar to a cooked condensed milk. But it had to be tasted to make sure. In my opinion it is really nice, especially when you know this is a product with an extended expiration date. Neither the consistency nor the taste was wrong, so you can eat this without any worries. It is similar, considering the taste and smell, to fresh products you may find in local supermarket. It has only one fault I have noticed. Rice, and I am not sure it was rice, reminded porridge. The size of grains suggested this. The rest – there is no accusation of any kind. Extra raisins, which should provide an extra shot of energy, were an superb idea. And, after all, they taste nice. Consistency: typical for that kind of dessert. Plus Smell: very nice vanilla essence. Plus Taste: pretty good. Especially raisins are an extra surprise. Plus Biscuits:

The biscuits you will find inside this ration are something between a hard ship’s biscuits and crackers. They are a little bit thicker than the regular ones but the taste is very similar. The consistency is familiar Desert (Mont Blanc): as well. In all the French rations probably they are in place of bread or play the role of it. Those inside a Small, white tin contains a 125 g. of dessert for sol- one-meal ration RIE are from different producer than diers on the field. It varies in some menus. You can get the RCIA, because they are little bit smaller and the

package is not transparent. However it is only a pre- Consistency: typical for chocolate. Plus sumption. However there is no significant difference between those two. Smell: chocolate like. Plus Sweet: Consistency: similar to those in 24 hours ration. Plus Smell: typical for baked goods like that. Plus Taste: sweet, biscuit like. Plus Salty: Consistency: also similar to those in 24 hours ration. Plus Smell: just like the sweet ones. Plus

Taste: like plain chocolate. Plus Jelly covered in sugar: It is the same bar you can find in 24 hours rations. Consistency: very similar to those you can buy at store. Plus Smell: recognizable, fruity. Plus Taste: fruity, a little sour. Really tasty. Just like the ones in our stores. Plus.

Taste: salty taste is not recognizable. The taste is more neutral what makes it perfect for addition to another Terrine de lapin: dish (in exchange for bread). Neutral It is quite a typical terrine. The only difference between this one and the most popular one from supermarket Klaus bar: is - this one has small meat lumps. Quite tasty. Standard chocolate bar produced by Klaus Company. We can find it in 24 hours rations as well. Consistency: typical. You would not say it was bought in a supermarket. Plus 51

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RIE Smell: very nice, meaty. There is no smell of chemistry additives. Plus Taste: very good. It is exact the same terrine you will find in your own sandwich. Plus Thon salade: Tuna salad. There is slight difference between this one and the rest I have ever tasted. It is, in my opinion, potatoes salad with extra vegetables with the addition of tuna. This is not, and I consider this as a plus, tuna we can find inside most of the tins available in stores. That means it is not sliced or mashed. It is one pretty big piece of meat. And its quality is also quite nice. All of that is dipped down in some kind of vinegar sauce, but less sour than any other one I know. This dish is really very tasty. Consistency: classic for a mix like this. Plus Smell: is nice. Despite the tuna smell you will also be able to fell vegetables and sauce. Plus Taste: my palate says - delicious, so it has to be good. Plus

translation: Michal â&#x20AC;&#x153;Magnusâ&#x20AC;? Kasinski 53

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Gotowość bojowa

Tony Zinni, Tom Clancy “Battle Ready”

In the last few decades, the United States of America had been evolved in many conflicts. Starting with the most known, like the World War II and ending with local conflicts, mostly based on guerrilla tactics, like the one in Vietnam or, most recently, in Afghanistan. Most of them had been won by the Western Civilization doctrine. How exactly that modern, well trained and equipped Army has been created? Thanks to general (retired) Tonny Zinni we will be granted the opportunity to make a trip to the Vietnam era and observe how the lost conflict became a win for the next generations of US soldiers. A conflict, which started with sneer and laughter only to end with tears and blood. We will be able to take a look on the system evolved during Zinni’s career, starting as a young lieutenant serving in Vietnam, and finishing in the time of new wartime tasks – Afghanistan and Iraq.

he United States Marine Corps has always been a special purpose unit. The Corp was created to fulfil special needs. It required special training and attracted unique men to serve in it. Not everyone could be a Marine, and not every Marine became a general. Tonny Zinni had been granted both this privileges and thanks to that, he could observe the history changing itself. Moreover, not only he had been a part of it but the changes were influenced by him as well. Is it not everything what a soldier could ever want?

which created one of the most famous Marine unit – MEU.

Zinni, in 50 years of his active duty, took part in almost every bigger US operation. Those including the most famous like Somalia, where he was in charge of the US Forces in Mogadishu. Thanks to Zinni, you will read about the UN and US operation made famous thanks to Ridley Scott’s movie “Black Hawk Down”. Just like Zinni, you will be standing face to face with general Year 1967 was outstanding for Tony Zinni in every Aidid, acquiring behind the scene information, inpossible way. He became an officer, was sent abroad for cluding the political aspects. his first deployment, took his first command and was in action. In the Valey of Meccong River he has been learning from most advanced warriors - The Vietnamese Marine Corps. He has been learning how to fight and how to survive in extremely difficult terrain, facing a well trained and determined enemy. What is more important, especially for his following carrier, he has been learning how to command those people. He got malaria, jaundice, dysentery and mononucleosis at the end of his first jungle deployment with Vietnamese Marines, and it didn’t interrupt his experience gathering. After he was healed from above mentioned diseases, even if that was not easy for him or his body, he got back to Vietnam in 1970. He got back just to be shot in the next few months but, to be completely honest - his wish to come back to Vietnam was fulfilled. After he dealt with his shot wounds he was sent to Okinawa, where he saw segregation and gangs inside the Forces. As the security forces commander, he had to face another problem - drugs, which were another sign of degeneration and demoralization affecting every part of American society. Readers will also be able to observe Zinnie at Quantico, being part of the team

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski

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Under the burlap

U n d er th

e Bu r lap Another section of this very specific profession â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sniping, is right here. On the following pages you will find a very long review of VSR-10 G-Spec Tokyo Marui by Dexter. As usual, you will be able to find out how to tune up this replica and, what is more important, he is going to show you some tricks which improve power and consistence of this rifle. There will be some history of sniping, too. This time you are going to meet one of the best snipers ever - cpl. Rob furlong. His shot at the distance of 2430 meters was for a long time the furthest shot a soldier has ever made. Only recently it was beaten by Craig Harrison, which was described in the previous issue. Have a nice lecture!

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Under the burlap

VSR 10 G-Spec TM

VSR – 10 G-Spec was my very first high class replica. That is, if you consider the STTI products a a 1st class replica. I bought my VSR in 2007, pre-used, 2 years old, but with no modification what so ever. After all these years I still have fondness for it. I am going to explain reasons of this weakness in this article, describing every possible tuning detail of the TM product. I will describe every pros, cons and whims. Pictures I have attached to this article present the very same replica I had back in the days, despite that I have sold it and since then it also changed its owners. Those pictures are available thanks to the latest owner – lad Oleski from www.wmasg.pl. Let’s get started. am not perfectly sure when exactly the VSR has All the models mentioned above were withdrawn been offered by Tokyo Marui for the first time, how- from production for some time, but recently TM has ever you can find this gun in a catalogue from 2004. started to produce the second generation of VSR, with The replica was manufactured at the time in three dif- slightly improved external parts, mainly the G-Spec ferent versions: Pro Sniper, without mounted rail but and Pro-Sniper versions. At the moment they are with mechanical sights and 430 mm outer barrel. Sec- available in TM’s offer. ond one was the Real Shock model, with wood-like plastic stock, weighed down piston for recoil simulation and harder spring to compensate piston weight Both Pro-Sniper and Real Shock versions were based giving about 300fps. The last one was G-Spec version on Remington 700, while G-spec version is some sort – the one we will focus on in this article. of TM’s freestyle which also used Remington 700 as a starting point. They are not the exact replicas, nevertheless they are close enough to resemble the Remington rifle. The Gspec also distinguishes itself by few details, which makes this replica slightly better than its siblings. First of all the special designed lock handle that turns by 60 degree and not like in other models by 90 degrees. This is a very nice feature that makes reloading much faster and easier especially while using sniper scope. The replica also comes with an attachable mount rail instead of emergency battle sights, and quite heavy external barrel which has identical diameter on whole length (30mm). In addition, TM provides us with dedicated sound suppressor (37 mm diameter). Unfortunately it comes with unique 17 mm right hand thread so if you want to use other type of suppressor - a special attachment is needed. The G-spec also has several flaws. The most important one is a short internal barrel, it is only 303 mm long, which is to short for a sniper rifle. Moreover, the G-spec without the attached suppressor is ugly and looks like a sawed off gun.

This replica gives us clear 300 fps straight out of the box. And surprisingly as for those 300 fps it delivers quite far. Despite that, I have never seen such good shooting with

mm diameter), we need to drill out the pin (about 2 mm depth). After that the cylinder’s head can be easily screwed off.

a 300 fps replica, it is still too low for a sniper rifle. There is also one more merit of G-spec, it is one of the most quiet spring powered sharp shooter rifle replica I had pleasure to use. This is thanks to a good quality of abovementioned suppressor, but also thanks to special designed piston head equipped with special rod that, while moving forward, blocks cylinder head’s nozzle. This causes increased pressure in the cylinder that allows piston to slow down a bit before hitting cylinder’s head. Piston’s head is also equipped with rubber shock absorber what also enhances quietness. This replica, as most of modern replicas, has adjustable hop-up. This can be done without any additional tools by moving lever located on the left side of the hop-up chamber. Tuning of this replica is a real pleasure, because this gun is receptive to make-over. My piece was modified step by step, by buying additional parts in successive periods. Why? I will explain below. First of all the cylinder in this model is solid, or actually it is supposed to be. This is because of strict legislation in Japan that forbids producers to manufacture replicas that have more than 300 fps (with small top) therefore their pimping must be difficult. For same reason, TM gears present high quality but poor strength. This pattern also applies in TM’s VSR But back to the important stuff. Cylinder’s head is connected and locked with cylinder’s chamber by blind metal pin. A thing to do before starting is to remove that pin. To do so we will need to drill it out. To make this operation easier we suggest marking this pin with punch. Afterwards, using drill set to low speed and equipped with sharp bit (3,5

Inside we can find a white piston, spring and spring guide. Unfortunately the spring guide is made from plastic and is X shaped (not round). Overall it is not solid but it will do for the moment. I personally advise to grease it. Now the first obstacle. PDI does not manufacture hop-up chambers dedicated to VSR, therefore sealing provides us with a poser. After few tries and endless forum and web lecture I finally came with the right solution. For this we will need metal ring that will be cut on the periphery. Rings supplied with hop-up rubber are perfect for this job. All we need to do is to slice them with some sort of needle file. First we will need to place our barrel vertically and put on the hop-up rubber (air seal chamber packing) Then we will need a thin fishing line (2,3 kg will do). We make a loop and place it around the hop-up rubber (air seal chamber packing). Then we pull the loop tight (but carefully so we do not cut the rubber (air seal chamber packing)) and do the knot. The knot should be on the side – left or right and not up or down of the barrel Now our metal ring comes in. We put it on the hop-up rubber (air seal chamber packing) so the cleavage matches the knot. If done properly with a brand new gun it should add up to 30 FPS. And up to 100 FPS in tuning models so it is worth doing. Of course afterwards we need to clean it up and grease properly. Hop-up rubber (air seal chamber packing) shown on the photo is dedicated to TM’s VSR and GBBs, and it is made by KM head (hardness 55RH). It is definitely the best hop-up rubber (air seal chamber packing) for VSR that I have laid my hands on. Others, like purple Prometheus (Nine-Ball), does not wind up the BBs because of its hardness. On the other hand, the rubber (air seal chamber packing) manufactured by Firefly (hard type) did wind up but it did not seal the chamber as god as KM one did. As for inner barrels. You will have to buy the dedicat59

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Under the burlap ed ones. They are made by: Laylax (303 mm, 430 mm and 555 mm), KM Head (430 mm) and PDI (303 mm, 430 mm and 554 mm). Among these the best ones are produced by PDI but they are also the most expensive ones. Next in the row are those made by Laylax. They present good quality for a quite reasonable price (it is also noteworthy that Laylax is basically identical as Prometheus). The third place is taken by KM Head products. It should be mentioned that the real difference between those barrels is slight and imperceptible. If you want you can also install popular AEG barrel but this requires modification of the hop-up chamber and without the access to lathe - we won’t achieve good tightness. To do so we need to cut a channel in the periphery of the barrel to mach the hop-up’s rubber collar. There are also dedicated “sealed” hopup chambers produced by Laylax that concur with standard AEG barrels, but I rather won’t recommend them. We loose the charm of a factory chamber and we get the chance to attach standard barrel and hopup rubber with poor quality, that can’t be replaced by anything else. Growth of tightness is bigger comparing to a fabric model but lower than this received in way described above. To sum up – it is not worth it. As for VSR trigger mechanism, well - it is total failure. The piston catch is lock on to piston under 60 degree angle in relation to cylinder axis (axis where does spring works) instead of 90 degrees, pressing the piston up while spring is taunt. This poses no problem while we are using fabric spring, but in the stronger spring the force is greater. It is noteworthy that, while using m150 spring, the force that we will have to use to close the lock is bigger than one used to taunt the spring. The trigger mechanism is not accommodated to work with other than m130 spring and it simply breaks. We can replace those parts, but because of abovementioned problem with angles this will destroy our cylinder and piston in the long run. Purchase of Zero Trigger by Laylax is a must.

System 10 in other words VSR 10). At the moment our interest lies in: springs, piston complex and spring guides. In a fabric model spring guide is around 7 mm diameter and spring and piston are designed to fit this dimension. Spring dimensions look like this: 8 mm internal and 10 mm external diameter and 11 mm diameter for piston. Now let’s talk about Laylax parts: As for spring guide it fits fabric dimension. Same goes with springs that are suited for spring guide and present dimensions that are close to fabric ones. Problem lies within the piston that comes with 13 mm diameter and it is accommodated for springs with bigger diameter like those for APS96/APS2/M24. Of course we can use it, but this will result in spring bending and diminished performance. It is a shame that Laylax does not sell solely the ZT then piston could be bought separately. Now we receive junk that can’t be used. Spring guide can withstand m150 spring but only for some time. One way or another it has to be changed. And again the one manufactured by Laylax is the best one, with ball bearing, it does not untwist and more importantly it does not break. Real beauty it cooperates with springs up to m190 inclusive. It improves performance, FPS, makes reloading a bit easier and preserves t h e spring. It is also note worthy that VSR springs are only produced by PDI and Laylax. From those two only the later is worth any effort but it is not resistant to ramming.

The already mentioned piston leaves no choice to someone who doen’t want to install ZT one. He is forced to find a fitting piston via the internet or visit a turner, with previously prepared blueprints. The second option perfidiously seems to be the best one since we decide what materials will be used and what The ZT set is a high quality one and works flawless as dimensions we will get. If You decide to design your it was in case of Warrior I have described in last issue. own piston it is important to remember about such But there is one thing that makes me wonder what led details as: external diameter of piston should fit interthe Laylax engineers while they were designing parts nal diameter of cylinder (with around of 0.1 mm of for VSR. clearance), material strength, weigh (the lighter the Laylax is manufacturing parts for sniper rifles replicas better), internal diameter of piston should fit external in series; they are dedicated to particular model. Parts diameter of the spring (with around 0.3 – 0.5 mm of designed for VSR are PSS10 series (Perfect Sniping clearance depending on the spring). By adjusting par-

ticular parameters we can influence the performance, ger (550 mm) inner barrel also providing good stabiFPS, reliability etc. It is worth to design the whole set lization. It is also noteworthy, that if we decide to use integrated suppressor, we have to use 430 mm inner (piston and cylinders head) at once. barrel. This barrel is also finished with a cap tha,t if reAs show on the picture, such head is equipped with moved, reveals thread similar as in fabric model so we exit funnel, which a bit improves FPS. Notice that can attach original silencer or coupling. Unfortunatefunnel does not reach the border of head itself so we ly, the whole replica with longer barrel has around 138 length which makes it quite can place some sort of shock absorber on this area. c m hard to use. This also increases reliability and area that pistons head hits cylinders head. Other important changes Replica that can be done are: the increase of external with Deep cylinder’s head nozzle diameter to 7 mm Fire barthis will improve seal (it will enter hoprel, 3-12x56 up chamber much tighter). Inscope, and crease internal cylinder’s SRC bi-pod. head nozzle diameter to 5.5 mm (this will enhance air flow, therefore it will If you like realism, increase FPS). It VSR can be easily is also worth weight down since to add stock is not so thick but solid, similar to this in M24 by Classic Army. Stock is also one thread roll a flaw since the whole replica is quite light and stock for firmer attach- is made from thin but strong plastic. After removment to cylinder’s ing butt-pad and sealing the bottom by glue gun (do body. Of course, while designing it carefully too much glue might result in problems the piston, we should adjust it for such with trigger installation). Afterwards we can place cylinder’s head. For instance piston’s brake lead bars inside and attached them with more glue or should be wider and longer (around 5.2 small bags filled with sand and secure them by polyurethane foam. It works like a charm. mm). When steel Deep fire barrel is installed, the whole We might just as well leave the fabric cylinder as it replica loses balance and it should be weight down can stand against springs up to m170 inclusive with- on both sides. This problem is partially solved by biout any problem. Despite that the replacement might pod which weights a bit, but if it isn’t enough you can help a bit. Of course I recommend Laylax, although always toss some shot or fishing sinker in to space PDI does good ones, too. Teflon coating speaks in fa- between inner and external barrel. Afterwards fill it vour of Laylax. If current cylinder was used on strong with epoxy resin to prevent rattle and dislocating of springs (m120 up) I strongly recommend to replace the burden. it since the top of the chamber is probably scratched. Summing up: the list of parts that are necessary for full tuning of VSR looks more like this (order – from They say that there is no accounting for taste, but in muzzle to stock): my opinion VSC replica look awesome with Harris bi-pod (or it’s copy) and attached (thanks to the cou- - Optional sound suppressor (along with coupling) pling) sound 40x335 mm suppressor by King Arms. - Inner barrel for VSR by Laylax (length depends on Of course, as mentioned, it is individual taste. There is preferences, and suppressor) one more thing, if you are an owner of G-Spec version - Hop-up rubber by KM Head and you would like to make you replica more realis- - Cylinder’s head (custom) tic (longer barrel), I recommend the purchase of steel - Piston (custom) external barell by Deep Fire (700 mm length) with in- - Cylinder (optional by Laylax or PDI) tegrated suppressor. Such barrel allows us to use lon- - Spring guide by Laylax 61

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Under the burlap - Spring m170 by Laylax - Trigger mechanism – Zero Trigger by Laylax Such set, if assembled correctly, as well as proper greasing, seal, good piston and cylinder’s head design, can give the initial speed around 600 – 650 FPS. Depends on luck and the awareness that Laylax springs don’t have lowered strength number. For sure is most tuning susceptible replica I have ever met. Perhaps not the cheapest one, but providing top performance for certain spring. If someone would ask me “what replica do I recommend for a sniper?” I would firmly say – VSR G-spec. Jacek Reiter (Dexter) translation: Michal “Magnu” Kasinski

First we will need to place our barrel vertically and put on the hop-up rubber (air seal chamber packing)

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski

VSR HU ru

Then we will need a thin fishing line (2,3 kg w make a loop and place it around the hop-up seal chamber packing).

ubber assembly step-by-step

will do). We rubber (air

Now our metal ring comes in.

Then we pull the loop tight (but carefully so we do not cut the rubber (air seal chamber packing)) and do the knot. The knot should be on the side â&#x20AC;&#x201C; left or right and not up or down of the barrel

We put it on the hop-up rubber (air seal chamber packing) so the cleavage matches the knot.

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rob furlong

Robert Furlong and hot fifties

It was March. The sun was shinning harder and harder, more than usual. Especially for people like corporal Robert Furlong, laying on his stomach without a move, head on his cheek pad, finger on the trigger, spotting for enemy activity. Soldier’s life often depends on his skills, when he’s sent on a patrol in this rugged terrain. Another bullet, warm from the hard sun rays, was sent to the McMillan’s chamber. Target: Al-Qaeda’s fighters. Range: 2500 metres. Fire.

n March 2002, Shahikot Valley was a witness of another bloody fight which had been registered in military history. American Command started the “Operation Anaconda”. It was prepared to liquidate mountain paths which were used by insurgents to transport weapons and ammunition to East Afghanistan. Another goal to reach was to eliminate as many Al-Qaeda’s warriors as it is possible. To achieve these goals, the Command decided to attach a Canadian sniper team from the 3rd Battalion of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry to regular units. Cpl. Furlong was part of the team along with Cpl. Tim M c Meekin as a spotter, w h o occupied one of t h e f i re positions, pointed directly to enemy positions. It was early afternoon when they spotted three men, climbing to the Al-Qaeda’s mortar nest. They were on an opposite hill, moving along the edge. Blink of an eye between Canadian soldiers sealed their fate. McMeekin took his Vector range-finder to check the range to the target. It was 2430 meters – far too much even for their McMillan Tac-50 heavy sniper rifle. However, the conditions described in the manual were much more different then the conditions in Shah-IKot Valey this day. Canadian snipers were 3000 meters above the sea level so the air was more rarefied than normally. Thanks to that the bullet, without the aerodynamic drag, flew much faster. The bullet was

not ordinary, too. Because they used up all of their own ammunition, they had to use American bullets called Hornady A-max instead. Cpl. Furlong testified, that the American bullets had flown further than their own bullets. It was caused by the ballistic shape of the bullet itself and faster-burning propellant. The 3rd Battalion snipers noticed instantly that their rifles have increased range and accuracy. To increase the range even more, they used some old trick well known to most sharpshooters. They u s e d the Sun, as it shines really hard at its altitude of 3 km, to rise the temperature of powdermix inside the bullet. The bullet was almost hot when they put it into the chamber. The range to the target was too big to set the cross on his scope in a middle position. Cpl. Furlong adjusted it to maximum but it was not enough. He had to use Mil-Dots to follow the targets at this range. To be exact - four points above and to the right of the target. He also took the three opposite winds into consideration when he set the point of aiming. Target: an insurgent with the RPK machine gun. 26 year old corporal is breathing steadily, concentrating on the target– breath in, and out. Breath in, and out. He is following the target and squeezes the trigger of his McMillan. He gently pulls his head back and stares at Cpl. McMeekin to confirm the hit. A small shake of McMeekin’s head tells him everything. It appears the bullet went a little below the target and hit the sandy edge. Adjust. The same well trained moves. Breathe control. Relax. Concentrate. Shot. This time the bullet is much more accurate then the

last one. It just ripped off the target’s backpack. - Stand out – says Furlong. He already knows what kind of mistake he did this time. Instead of following perfectly the straight line, he had squeezed the trigger a little bit to one side. This caused the bullet to slightly change the direction and hit the edge, and not the man. This small difference was a line between the backpack and the warrior’s heart. The next bullet went airborne just few seconds after the previous one. It took a little over four seconds to travel a distance of 2.5 kilometres and hit the man into his chest, ripping him to parts. Mission accomplished.

translation: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski 65

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rob furlong

Tac-50 McMillan Tactical Rifle, manufactured by McMillan Bros. Rifle Company in Phoenix, Arizona, is a ultra-long range anti-personnel Long Range Sniper Rifle. It is based on previous design, which first appeared during the late 1980s. Since 2000, due to its dual ability to handle both long-range precision, as well as anti-materiel roles, it is a primary Long Range Sniper Weapon in the Canadian Army.

Specifications: Cartridge: .50 BMG (12.7 x 99 mm) Lenght: 1,448 mm Barrel lenght: 737 mm Weight: 11.8 kg Feed system: 5 round detachable box magazine

McMillan Tac-50 Sniper Set, recently used by Canadian Army

fot. www.mcmillan.com

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w bastępnym numerze Would you like to see the OpForce Magazine in your own language? It was never more simple. Just let us know about that and you coul join us as an Editor. E-mail us on tomasz.niwinski@opforcemagazine.com

Jacek “Dexter” Reiter Under the Burlap Editor. Sprign guided rifles lover. Born as a sniper, living as a CQB man. Perfect for Opposing Forces. Marcin “Mirra” Dudojc Air Soft maniac since 2004. He is also five o’clock tea lover, with interest in everything that is British.

Michal “Magnus” Kasinski English version Editor. Recently live in England. Sold his soul to Special Forces - especially to SAS and GROM.

Contact: Editorial Stuff: Editor: Tomasz Niwiński tomasz.niwinski@opforcemagazine.com Under the Burlap Editor: Jacek “Dexter” Reiter dexter@opforcemagazine.com Journalist: Marcin “Mirra” Dudojc mirra@opforcemagazine.com English Version Editor: Michal “Magnus” Kasinski michal.kasinski@opforcemagazine.com German Version Editor: Pawel Fabisiak pawel.fabisiak@opforcemagazine.com Other Sections: Advertisment: advertisment@opforcemagazine.com News: news@opforcemagazine.com Competition: competition@opforcemagazine.com

IN THE NEXT ISSUE:

W następnym numerze między innymi:

In the next issue you will find information about the Dutch Army. We will cover their Special Forces and, above all, the naval forces. The Dutch are well know for having great experience in naval warfare and its closed vicinity. You will also find the Dutch uniform test, in comparison to other uniforms from all over the world. Of course you will find Dexter’s articles, presenting the most interesting sniping and gas replicas. We will present you one of the most interesting tunings of sniper rifle and its owner. Look out for the next OpForce Magazine!

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